Sensemaker

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One story every day to make sense of the world

Tortoise Media


    • Sep 16, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 7m AVG DURATION
    • 1,195 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Sensemaker

    Is meme culture tied to Charlie Kirk's death?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2025 8:46


    Messages on unfired bullet casings left by Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old accused of shooting Charlie Kirk, appear linked to online alt-right movements. Writer: Jess Swinburne, with reporting from Nicky WoolfProducer: Amalie SortlandHost: Casey MagloireEpisode photography: Sofia FentonExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore & Jasper CorbettTo find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Who are the lost artists of Ancient Egypt?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2025 8:25


    For decades, the pyramids, mummies, and hieroglyphs of Ancient Egypt have been reduced to clichés in textbooks and pop culture. A new exhibition seeks to change that.Writer: Amalie Sortland, with reporting from Laura CummingProducer: Amalie SortlandEpisode Photography: Joe MeeExecutive producer: Rebecca MooreTo find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Climate scientists vs. Donald Trump

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2025 6:56


    Scientists are increasingly concerned about the impact Donald Trump's policies and rhetoric are having on the environment. So how are those on the front line in the fight against climate change coping against a backdrop of rising scepticism? Writer: Casey MagloireProducer: Amalie SortlandHost: Ada BaruméEpisode photography: Sofia FentonExecutive Producer: Katie GunningTo find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    How might Nato respond to Russian drones over Poland?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2025 6:26


    Early on Wednesday morning Poland announced that for the first time Nato jets had shot down Russian drones in its airspace.Writer: Poppy BullardProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Ada BarumeEpisode photography: Sofia FentonExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Who is the Somali judge with 1.5 million TikTok followers?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2025 6:02


    Colonel Hassan Ali Nur Shuute is giving Somali social media users a unique insight into the country's war on terror. Writer: Layla Mahmood and Poppy BullardProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Casey MagloireEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Who are the winners and losers of the cabinet reshuffle?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2025 8:51


    What does the recent cabinet reshuffle tell us about the new direction of the Labour party and the government?Writer: Casey MagloireProducer: Casey MagloireHost: Ada BaruméEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Who's the new editor of American Vogue?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2025 8:36


    For the first time in decades, American Vogue, the leading fashion publication, has a new editorial head succeeding Anna Wintour, often regarded as the most powerful woman in the industry. Who is the new woman in charge? Writer: Stephen ArmstrongProducer: Amalie SortlandEpisode Photography: Joe MeeExecutive producer: Jasper CorbettTo find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Who's behind all the England flags?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2025 6:23


    The St George's cross is flying from lamposts and motorway bridges across England.Writer: Poppy BullardProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Why is it so hard to deliver aid to Gaza?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2025 11:06


    Humanitarian payloads from planes are costly and largely ineffective but they remain one of few ways to ease people's suffering in Gaza.Writer & Producer: Amalie Sortland, with additional reporting by Oliver MarsdenEpisode Photography: Oliver Marsden and Alex JonesExecutive producer: Rebecca MooreTo find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalistsIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The black market for weight loss drugs

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2025 11:16


    More than 1.5 million people in the UK now use weight-loss injections like Mounjaro. But as official prices rise by as much as 140%, illegal trade is growing too.Writer: James Tapper and Jessica HaydenProducer: Amalie SortlandHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Alex JonesExecutive Producer: Rebecca MooreTo find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalistsIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    How did Taskmaster conquer the world?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2025 8:45


    Comedy game show Taskmaster is about to air its 20th UK series and has spawned versions all over the world. We discover its secrets.Writer: Rachael HealyProducer: Amalie SortlandHost: Casey MagloireEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca MooreTo find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalistsIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Is the AI bubble about to burst?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2025 5:42


    Computer chip company Nvidia's revenue is soaring to record highs, but an MIT report found 95% of companies investing in generative AI haven't made money from it.Writer: Poppy BullardProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Claudia WilliamsEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Why is tanning back in style?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2025 7:00


    A new wave of influencers are urging their followers to go outside in the hottest part of the day, skip SPF and even lie on towels that attract sunlight.Writer: Ada BaruméProducer: Ada BaruméHost: Andrew ButlerEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    How to reconstruct a face

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2025 8:20


    3D printing technology is used to re-construct the faces of injured Ukrainian soldiers and civilians.Writer & Producer: Amalie SortlandEpisode Photography: Joe MeeExecutive producer: Rebecca MooreTo find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalistsIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Who is X's football's transfer window whisperer, Indy Kaila?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2025 9:22


    What does one transfer window influencers tell us about the growing power of digital natives and our relationship with the truth? Writer: Rory SmithProducer: Casey MagloireHost: Claudia WilliamsEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Have the protestors outside The Bell Hotel won?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2025 7:38


    A High Court injunction, granted to Epping Forest District Council, will mean the end of asylum seekers being housed in a local hotel. Writer & Producer: Amalie Sortland with additional reporting from Xavier GreenwoodEpisode Photography: Joe MeeExecutive producer: Rebecca MooreTo find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalistsIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    What happens to women forced to return to Afghanistan?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2025 8:15


    Millions of Afghans who fled decades ago are now being returned from neighbouring Pakistan and Iran as part of one of the largest deportations in recent history.Writer: Serena CesareoProducer: Serena CesareoHost: Tomini BabsExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    What is Putin's price for peace?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2025 10:16


    One region in western Ukraine has become a key sticking point in President Trump's attempts to bring the war to an end.Writer: Casey MagloireProducer: Casey MagloireHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Why are ADHD cases on the rise?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2025 8:10


    ADHD prescriptions have risen 18% year on year in England since the end of the Covid-19 pandemic. Writer: Jonathan LewisProducer: Amalie SortlandHost: Casey MagloireEpisode photography: Sofia FentonExecutive Producer: Rebecca MooreTo find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalistsIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Will Nepal's new plan to ease overcrowding on Everest work?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2025 5:26


    Nepal's Department for Tourism says it hopes that by waiving permit fees for the 97 lesser-climbed Himalayan peaks it can ease overcrowding on Everest and stimulate the local economy.Writer: Poppy BullardProducer: Jonathan Lewis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    What happened when Trump and Putin met to discuss the Ukraine war?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2025 10:02


    Trump and Putin met in Alaska for a high-stakes summit discussing how to end the war in Ukraine.Writer & Producer: Amalie SortlandExecutive producer: Matt RussellPhotography: Joe Mee Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    How bovine TB shut down Clarkson's farm

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2025 8:02


    A recent outbreak of tuberculosis on Jeremy Clarkson's farm is an all too familiar story for British farmers. How does this silent disease wreak havoc and can it be eradicated?Writer: Jess SwinburneProducer: Jess SwinburneHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Alex JonesExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    How to fix the world's plastic pollution?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2025 8:26


    The world is finally coming together to try and deal with the problem of plastic pollution. But can they succeed? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The death of a Palestinian activist in the West Bank

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2025 9:22


    A Palestinian activist, shot by an Israeli settler, filmed his own death. The Israeli authorities have said the settler, who runs an outpost in the occupied West Bank, will not face charges.Host: Casey Magloire Producer: Casey Magloire Photography: Alex JonesExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Should the police reveal the personal details of alleged criminals?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2025 7:20


    The Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has called on the police to release more information about alleged criminals, such as their immigration status and ethnicity.Writer: Rachel SylvesterProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Lynda LairdExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Haiti's cultural heritage at threat from violent gangs

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2025 9:20


    The renowned Oloffson Hotel in Port-au-Prince, that attracted artists, celebrities and journalists for more than a century has been burned to the ground by criminal gangs. Writer, producer and host: Casey MagloireEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore and Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Macrons vs Candace Owens

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2025 7:49


    How did a baseless claim that the first lady of France is a man become one of the world's biggest conspiracy theories?Writer: Phoebe Davis Host: Claudia WilliamsPhotography: Producer: Casey MagloireExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Could age verification make the internet more dangerous?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2025 6:25


    The Online Safety Act requires users to hand over detailed personal information but there's a lack of transparency about what happens to this data afterwards.Host: Tomini BabsWriter: Bex SanderProducer: Poppy BullardPhotography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Why is life so tough for migrant workers in Jersey?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2025 7:26


    Work permits are controlled by a migrant's employer and holders can only stay on the island for nine months at a time. To listen to Ada Barumé and Orlando Crowcroft's Slow Newscast investigation into migrant workers on the island click HERE.Writer: Ada Barumé Producer: Serena CesareoHost: Casey MagloireExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    What's happening to Palestine Action supporters?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2025 6:50


    Palestine Action was proscribed on 5 July, putting the direct action group in the same legal category as groups such as al-Qaida and Islamic State. Since then, around 200 people have been arrested for supporting the group.To read Jon's interview with Deborah Hinton click HERE.Writer: Jon Ungoed-ThomasProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Compensated for an exorcism

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2025 8:36


    Matthew Drapper was subjected to an exorcism to rid him of the “demonic possession” of homosexuality. Writer: Phoebe Davis Host: Tomini Babs Photography: Sofia FentonProducer: Casey MagloireExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Are credit card companies the biggest force in online content moderation?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2025 9:04


    Hundreds of thousands of games have disappeared from platforms in a crackdown, raising questions about who should be making decisions about content moderation.Host: Tomini BabsWriter: Bex SanderProducer: Casey MagloireExecutive Producer: Rebecca MooreEpisodic Artwork by Darling Demon Eclipse Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    What are we losing when we turn forests into farmland?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2025 7:44


    According to the world's biggest bird survey, clearing rainforest to make way for cattle farms is even more harmful to biodiversity than we thought.Writer: James TapperProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Ada BaruméEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    How much aid is getting through to Gaza?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2025 7:22


    Israel has initiated daily pauses in its military operations - to allow more aid to get into Gaza. But how much aid is getting through and will it be enough for the Palestinians who rely on it?Writer: Poppy BullardProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Casey MagloireEpisode photography: Sofia FentonExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Can ChatGPT replace my therapist?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2025 8:23


    As people are turning to AI for mental health support and relationship advice, could chatbots replace the role of a trusted friend, or even a therapist?Writer: Ada BarumeProducer: Amalie SortlandHost: Tomini Babs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    How did the Lionesses do it again?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2025 7:16


    The England women's football team won the Euros for a second time, after they defeated Spain 3-1 on penalties in the final, having drawn 1-1 after extra time, two years after they lost to the same opponent in the World Cup final.Writer: Jessy Parker HumphreysProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Sofia Fenton Executive Producer: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Can a new drug help us to live longer?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2025 6:28


    The pharmaceutical industry is pursuing what some consider to be the holy grail: developing and licensing the first drug that slows the body's natural aging process.Writer: Jon Ungoed-ThomasProducer: Casey Magloire Host: Tomini Babs Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Can Donald Trump deport more than a million undocumented migrants?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2025 7:02


    The Trump administration is setting the stage for what might become the largest deportation of illegal immigrants in US history. Can it succeed? Writer: Stephen ArmstrongProducer: Amalie SortlandHost: Casey MagloireTo find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalistsIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    How did Volodomyr Zelensky's choice of clothing spark a $200 million bet and an online rebellion?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2025 7:50


    How Ukraine's president, Volodomyr Zelensky, sparked a $200 million dollar crypto bet and an online rebellion through his choice of clothing. Writer: Bex SanderProducer: Katie GunningHost: Ada BarumeEditor: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    What does the Afghan data leak mean for the 18,000 people on the list?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2025 7:42


    In 2022, a UK Special Forces official accidentally leaked the names of over 18,000 Afghan nationals, British special forces operatives and MI6 agents, putting thousands of lives at risk if the information fell into the wrong hands.Writer: James Tapper Producer: Jonathan LewisHost: Ada Barume Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Why are sportswomen facing more abuse than ever?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2025 6:56


    Women's sports stars are receiving more abuse than men, but can't afford to leave social media.The interview with Katie Boulter is from BBC Sports.Writer: Jessica HaydenProducer: Amalie SortlandExecutive producer: Rebecca MoorePhotography: Alex Jones Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Why is Trump splitting with MAGA over Epstein?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2025 7:49


    President Trump has spent his political career promoting conspiracy theories for electoral gain, now he's trying to shut down one of the most enduring of the lot.Writer: Fred HarterProducer: Jonathan LewisHost: Casey MagloireEpisode photography: Alex JonesExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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